Key container



March 16, 1965 F. OBERACKER KEY CONTAINER Filed Sept. 6, 1962 I X 46 48 44 54 4 a 6062 58 I8 6 United States Patent 3,173,230 KEY CONTAHNER Fred Gheraclrer, Willoughhy, Shin (1774- E. 232nd St, Euclid, tlhio) Filed Sept. 6, 1962, Ser. No. 221,681 8 Claims. (Cl. 70-456) This invention relates in general to a key container, and more particularly to a container adapted to hold one or more keys, such as automobile keys, house keys, etc. and which container includes means for selectively and automatically moving the key to an extended or use position, from a sheathed position, upon actuation of a latching means on the container.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel key container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel key container adapted for movably mounting one or more keys in the container, and including means urging the keys outwardly from sheathed condition in the container, and including locking or latching means for holding the keys in such sheathed condition, and wherein such latching means is readily actuatable for expeditious release of and presentation of the keys for use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a key holder for one or more keys wherein latching means are provided for selectively locking the key in the holder against the resistance of biasing means, and wherein such latching means includes a rockable member readily actuatable from exteriorly of the holder, and which rockable member coacts with means on the key, for holding the key in a sheathed condition in the holder.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a key holder for holding one or more keys, in pivotal condition in the holder, and there being provided a rockable, press button actuated latching bar pivoted for rocking movement on the holder, and adapted to enter a slot in the key, for locking the key in sheathed condition in the holder, together with spring means for urging the latching bar into locking position, and with there being provided other spring means coacting with cam means on the head of the key, for urging the key outwardly from its sheathed condition in the holder to an extended position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel key container which is operable to automatically move keys from a sheathed condition to an extended or use condition, upon actuation of latching means on the container, and which container is of a relatively simple and compact construction, resulting in a key container having highly desirable economic characteristics.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a key holder formed in accordance with the instant invention, and with the keys being disposed in sheathed condition in the holder and maintained therein by a latching means;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken generally along the plane of line AA of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 3 is an elevational view generally similar to that of FIG. 1, but illustrating in dash lines a key having been extended by the associated spring means and disposed in a use condition; in full lines there is illustrated the sheathed position of the key and its associated biasing or spring means;

FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of the key holder and showing the keys thereof disposed in sheathed condition;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, elevational view of the whole 3,173,239 Patented Mar. 16, 1965 key blank, and illustrating the cam configuration of the head thereof, which cam configuration provides for optimum movement of the key to an extended condition upon actuation of the associated latching mechanism therefor;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective of the latching bar, which is adapted for coaction with the key, to retain the key in sheathed condition.

Referring now again to the drawings, the key holder may comprise a pair of side portions 10 and 12 disposed in laterally spaced condition (FIG. 2) and a central portlon 14, disposed intermediate the side portions 10 and 12. The side portions 10 and 12 may each be recessed or slotted as at 16, and the central body portion 14- may be slotted on opposite sides thereof, as at 18, so that there is defined a recess in the holder, open on one edge 2% thereof for receiving the respective key X and for permitting movement of the key into and out of sheathed condition in the holder. Portions 14 and 12 may be formed of any suitable material, such as for instance plastic or metal.

Disposed intermediate the central portion 14 and the side portions 14} and 12 there may be provided separator plates 24, 24a, which may be formed of metal, and which provide means for mounting the key latching mechanism 26 thereon as will be hereinafter described. Fastening means 27 such as screws, threaded fasteners or the like, which are preferably detachably connected to the portions 10, 12 and 14, hold the side portions 1t) and 12, the central portion 14, and the plate portions 24, 24a assembled as a unit. The detachability of fastener means 27 provides for readily changing the keys X which are mounted in the holder.

In the embodiment illustrated, a pair of keys are pivotally mounted, as at 30, and as by means of a detachable pin, to the central portion 14, and are received in the associated slot 18 defined by the central portion 14 and the associated plate portion 24 or 24a.

Each key X in accordance with the instant invention is provided with cam surfaces 34, 3411 which are adapted for coaction with a spring means, which in the embodiment illustrated is a flat spring 36, for urging the key from the sheathed position, as shown in full lines in FIG. 3, to an extended or use position, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3. The spring 36 may include a U-shaped portion 36a which receives in coacting relationship a pin 36b, for holding the spring in the bottom part of the associated recess 18. The end Wall 38 of the central portion 14 may be provided with an undercut slot 49 therein in each recess 18, for receiving the end of the associated spring 36, and aiding in retaining it in proper position in slot 18. It will be seen that by providing the notched out cam surface 34a on the key head 42, that a substantially greater eifective force is able to be applied by the fiat spring 36 on the key, for rotating or pivoting the same about pin 30 and outwardly of the holder, than if the head 42 was continuous symmetrical or arcuate configuration about its pivotal axis. Accordingly, the key is positively and quickly pivoted out of sheathed position, upon actuation of the latching means 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the plate members 24, 24a, may have a strip or ridge 44 formed thereon and running generally transversely thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, ridge 44 may be formed by cutting longitudinally spaced openings 46, 46a in the respective plate 24 or 24a, such openings being separated by the transversely extending portion 44 forming the aforementioned ridge. Fulcrurned on the ridge or strip is a respective locking bar 48 which may include an arcuate portion 48a for pivotal mounting on the strip 44.

3 Bar 48 also includes a locking portion 48b which is adapted to be received in a generally complementary opening 55) in the corresponding key, for locking the key in its associated recess 18 and against the resistance of the associated spring 36. The end of the locking bar 4-8 opposite to that embodying the locking lug portion 48b is formed with a raised portion 480 and which has a push-button 52 secured thereto and projecting outwardly therefrom. Button 52 projects out or through an opening 54 in the respec-- tive side portion 10 or 12 for ready accessibility. The locking bar 48 is of substantially the same width as that of the associated openings 46, 46a, and as can be seen, such locking bar can be readily stamped or formed from a piece of sheet metal or the like. Such locking bar fits generally loosely into openings 46, 46a and with portion 48a thereof receiving in coacting relation the aforementioned dividing strip 44. As can be best seen in FIG. 2, with the off-set relationship of locking lug 48b of latching bar 43, such locking lug portion is received in the opening 50 of the respective key, when the key is disposed in completely sheathed condition in the holder, and thus maintains or locks the key in sheathed condition, against the resistance of spring 36.

Plates 24, 24a may each be provided with a partially severed or oif-set tongue 58 struck from the material of the plate, and projecting into recess 16 in the associated side portion '16 or 12. There may also be provided a generally arcuate shaped, flat spring 50 which is slotted lengthwise thereof as at 62 and which coacts or is detachably anchored to the aforementioned tongue 58 adjacent one end thereof, and at the other end thereof engages the latching bar, to urge the latching bar into locking condition with the associated key. It will be seen that upon downward pushing of the button 52 of the associated latching bar by the finger of a user, that the latching bar will be caused to rock or pivot about its fulcrum strip 44 and against the resistance of the flat spring member 69, and thereby pivot the locking lug portion 43b on the latching bar out of locking coaction with the opening 50 in the associated key, whereupon the spring 36 urges the associated key outwardly to extended or use position. It will be seen that upon release of the push-button 52 by the finger of the user, the spring 6%) once again urges the latching bar downwardly or inwardly, but since the locking lug portion 48b is no longer in registration with the opening in the key, such locking lug portion merely engages the confronting flat surface 63 of the head 42 of the key, and prevents completely free pivotal movement of the key, thereby aiding to insure that the key will not easily move out of extended or use position. However, when it is desired to resheath or retract the key, the finger of the user can readily apply adequate pressure to the key shank 66 to cause the key to pivot about its pivotal mounting and back into the associated slot 18 in the holder, whereupon the locking lug portion 48b registers with the opening 50 in the key and once again locks the key in sheathed condition in the holder.

The holder may be provided with a fiat surface 68 adjacent one end of the associated slot 18 therein, and as best seen in FIG. 1, for abutting coaction with edge 70 of the key head to limit the outward pivotal movement of the key due to the action of the spring member 36. As can be seen from FIG. 3, in the extended position of the key, the holder provides a pistol-like grip for the extended key, and thus facilitates its use in unlocking a door lock or the like.

It can be seen that the keys may be readily exchanged for difierent keys by removing the fastener elements 27 and removing only one side portion (10 or 12) and the associated of the plate members 24 or 24a whereupon a key can be readily removed from the pivot pin 30 and then the pivot pin can be removed from the other key, to cause the second key to be readily removable, whereupon new keys can be installed in the holder. While two keys have been shown, a holder constructed in accordance only one key, or with more than a pair of keys, by for instance increasing the length of the holder.

From the foregoing discussion and accompanying drawings, it will be seen that the invention provides a novel container or holder adapted for movably mounting one or more keys in the container, and which includes spring means which urges the key outwardly from the sheathed condition in the container, and wherein there is provided a latching means adapted for direct coaction with means on the key for holding or locking the key in such sheathed condition. It will also be seen that the invention provides a holder wherein the key has a novel cam surface thereon, for facilitating its movement to an extended position from a sheathed position in the holder, and wherein the latching means is adapted to coact with the he to resist pivotal movement of the key in the extended position of the latter.

The terms and expressions which have been used are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of any of the features shown or described, or portions thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

I claim:

-1. A compact key container comprising a housing having a recess therein, at least one generally flat key coupled to said housing and adapted for edgewise swinging movement from a retracted position in said recess to an extended position projecting from said recess, and vice versa, said key comprising a head portion pivoted to said housing in said recess, elongated spring means mounted on said housing and extending generally parallel to the lengthwise extension of said key when the latter is in said retracted position, said spring means engaging said head portion to urge said key outwardly of said recess to said extended position, said head portion having a generally obliquely extending inwardly directed edge surface thereon slidably engageable with said spring means upon predetermined pivoting of said key, for increasing the effective ivotal force of said spring means on said key, said key having an opening in a side surface thereof, releasable latching means rockably mounted on said housing and adapted for abutting coaction in said opening for locking said key in said retracted position in said recess, and means urging said latching means into coaction with said opening in said key.

2. A key container in accordance with claim 1, wherein said latching means is mounted interiorly of said housing and includes a button-like laterally projecting portion, said housing having an aperture therein extending from exteriorly of said housing, said projecting portion extending through said aperture and adapted for manual actuation to cause deactuation of said latching means.

3. A key container in accordance with claim 1, wherein said key is pivoted to said housing adjacent one end thereof, said spring means being a fiat spring disposed in said recess and anchored to said housing adjacent the other end thereof.

4. A key container in accordance with claim 3, wherein said housing embodies abutment means in said recess adapted for engagement with said key head portion for limiting the outward pivotal movement of said key.

5. A key container in accordance with claim 1 including means detachably coupling said key to said housing for ready interchangeability of the key.

6. A compact key container comprising a housing, said housing comprising laterally disposed portions and a separator plate-like portion disposed intermediate said lateral portions, means securing said portions to gether as a unit, one of said lateral portions having a slot therein opening to the exterior and defining in conjunction with said separator portion a recess, a generally flat key having a head portion pivoted to said housing in said recess, an elongated flat spring mounted in said recss in engagement with said key head portion and adapted to be tensioned by said key head portion upon edgewise pivotal movement of said key into sheathed condition in said recess, said spring extending generally parallel to the lengthwise extension of said key in said sheathed condition, said spring urging said key into outwardly pivoted condition with respect to said recess, said key head portion having a generally obliquely extending cam surface projecting inwardly of said head portion in the general direction of the pivotal connection of said key and adapted for sliding engagement with said spring upon predetermined outward pivotal movement of said key from said recess, for increasing the effective pivotal force of said spring on said key during pivoting of the latter, and releasable latching means fulcrumed on said separator portion and adapted for locking coaction with means on a side surface of said key for holding said key in sheathed condition in said recess against the resistance of said spring, said latching means including a portion extending exteriorly of said housing for manual deactuation of said latching means and a fiat spring member coacting with said separator portion and urging said latching means into said locking coaction with said side surface means on said key.

7. A key container in accordance with claim 6, wherein said separator portion comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced openings therein separated by a transversely extending strip, said latching means comprising a bar-like member fulcrumed on said strip intermediate the ends of said bar-like member and in said openings, said bar-like member having a locking lug portion adjacent one end thereof adapted to be received in an U opening in said key in abutting coaction to lock said key in said sheathed condition, and said manual deactuation portion being disposed adjacent the other end of said bar-like member.

8. A generally flat key adapted for mounting in a key container of the general type described comprising, a head portion having means thereon for pivotally mounting said key in the container and a shank portion, said head portion having at least one generally linearly projecting, defining edge surface extending lengthwise of said key and a cam surface extending generally obliquely inwardly with respect to said head portion, from said one linear surface and in the general direction of said pivotal mounting means, said cam surface commencing in lengthwise spaced relation from an imaginary transverse vertical plane passing through the pivotal mounting axis of said key and adapted for sliding coaction with a fiat spring, said key having a side surface opening extending therethrough and located in lengthwise spaced relation with respect to said pivotal mounting means in a direction toward the free end of said shank portion, said opening being adapted for abutting coaction with latching means, for holding said key in retracted condition in the container.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,573,723 2/26 Long -456 1,981,984 11/34 Bennett 70-456 2,795,128 6/57 Ly 70-456 M. HENSON WOOD, 1a., Primary Examiner. 

1. A COMPACT KEY CONTAINER COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING A RECESS THEREIN, AT LEAST ONE GENERALLY FLAT KEY COUPLED TO SAID HOUSING AND ADAPTED FOR EDGEWISE SWINGING MOVEMENT FROM A RETRACTED POSITION IN SAID RECESS TO AN EXTENDED POSITION PROJECTING FROM SAID RECESS, AND VICE VERSA, SAID KEY COMPRISING A HEAD PORTION PIVOTED TO SAID HOUSING IN SAID RECESS, ELONGATED SPRING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING AND EXTENDING GENERALLY PARALLEL TO THE LENGTHWISE EXTENSION OF SAID KEY WHEN THE LATTER IS IN SAID RETRACTED POSITION, SAID SPRING MEANS ENGAGING SAID HEAD PORTION TO URGE SAID KEY OUTWARDLY OF SAID RECESS TO SAID EXTENDED POSITION, SAID HEAD PORTION HAVING A GENERALLY OBLIQUELY EXTENDING INWARDLY DIRECTED EDGE SURFACE THEREON SLIDABLY ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID SPRING MEANS UPON PREDETERMINED PIVOTING OF SAID KEY, FOR INCREASING THE EFFECTIVE PIVOTAL FORCE OF SAID SPRING MEANS ON SAID KEY, SAID KEY HAVING AN OPENING IN A SIDE SURFACE THEREOF, RELEASABLE LATCHING MEANS ROCKABLY MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING AND ADAPTED FOR ABUTTING COACTION IN SAID OPENING FOR LOCKING SAID KEY IN SAID RETRACTED POSITION IN SAID RECESS, AND MEANS URGING SAID LATCHING MEANS INTO COACTION WITH SAID OPENING IN SAID KEY. 